30 Bible Verses About Opportunity (With Commentary)

The Bible speaks often about the concept of opportunity, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and making the most of the moments God provides. Opportunities can come in various forms—chances to serve others, to grow in faith, to spread the Gospel, or to make wise decisions. The Scriptures encourage us to be vigilant, discerning, and ready to act when these opportunities arise. Here are 30 Bible verses about opportunity, each with an 80-word commentary.

1. Ephesians 5:15-16

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

Paul encourages believers to live wisely and make the most of every opportunity. This verse teaches that we should be intentional in how we live, recognizing the importance of seizing opportunities for good in a world filled with challenges. It reminds us that time is precious and that we should use it wisely to further God’s purposes in our lives and in the lives of others.

2. Galatians 6:10

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Paul exhorts the Galatians to do good whenever the opportunity arises. This verse teaches that we should be proactive in doing good, particularly toward fellow believers. It encourages us to be aware of the opportunities God places before us to serve others and to act on them with kindness and generosity. It reminds us that every opportunity to do good is a chance to reflect God’s love to those around us.

3. Colossians 4:5

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”

Paul advises the Colossians to act wisely toward non-believers. This verse teaches that we should be mindful of how we interact with those outside the faith, using every opportunity to show Christ-like behavior. It encourages us to live in a way that draws others to Christ, making the most of every chance to share the Gospel through our actions and words. It reminds us that our lives are a testimony to God’s grace.

4. 2 Timothy 4:2

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”

Paul instructs Timothy to always be ready to share the Word of God. This verse teaches that we should be prepared to seize every opportunity to share the Gospel, whether it’s convenient or not. It encourages us to be vigilant and ready to speak truth, offer correction, and provide encouragement whenever the moment arises. It reminds us that opportunities to share God’s Word can come unexpectedly, so we must always be prepared.

5. Matthew 25:40

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

Jesus highlights the importance of seizing opportunities to help others. This verse teaches that acts of kindness and service, especially to those in need, are seen as acts done unto Christ Himself. It encourages us to recognize and act on opportunities to serve others, knowing that in doing so, we are serving God. It reminds us that every chance to help someone is an opportunity to honor God.

6. Proverbs 3:27

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”

This proverb emphasizes the responsibility to act when we have the opportunity to do good. It teaches that when we have the ability to help or do good, we should not delay or withhold our assistance. It encourages us to be proactive in responding to the needs of others, recognizing that every moment we have the power to act is a God-given opportunity to make a positive impact.

7. James 4:17

“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”

James warns about the consequences of ignoring opportunities to do good. This verse teaches that when we recognize an opportunity to do good but choose not to act, we are sinning. It encourages us to be attentive and responsive to the opportunities God places before us, understanding that failing to act when we should is a serious matter. It reminds us that doing good is not just a suggestion, but an obligation.

8. Ecclesiastes 9:10

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”

The writer of Ecclesiastes urges us to seize every opportunity in this life. This verse teaches that we should give our best effort to whatever tasks or opportunities we encounter, knowing that our time on earth is limited. It encourages us to work diligently and with purpose, making the most of the opportunities we have while we are alive. It reminds us that the time to act is now, while we have the chance.

9. Luke 19:13

“So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.'”

In this parable, Jesus emphasizes the importance of making the most of opportunities. This verse teaches that we are entrusted with resources and opportunities to use wisely and productively until Christ’s return. It encourages us to be faithful stewards of what God has given us, recognizing that every opportunity is a chance to invest in something meaningful and eternal. It reminds us that we will be held accountable for how we use our opportunities.

10. 1 Corinthians 16:9

“Because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.”

Paul speaks of an open door for ministry despite opposition. This verse teaches that opportunities often come with challenges, but they are still valuable and worth pursuing. It encourages us to recognize and step through the doors God opens, even when we face resistance or difficulty. It reminds us that opposition does not negate an opportunity; rather, it often signifies that the work is important and impactful.

11. John 9:4

“As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.”

Jesus speaks about the urgency of seizing opportunities while they are available. This verse teaches that there is a limited time to do the work God has called us to do, and we must act while we have the chance. It encourages us to be diligent and focused, making the most of every opportunity to fulfill God’s purposes in our lives. It reminds us that time is fleeting, and we must work while we can.

12. Hebrews 3:13

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

This verse emphasizes the opportunity we have each day to encourage others. It teaches that daily encouragement can prevent hearts from becoming hardened by sin. It encourages us to seize every opportunity to uplift and support one another, recognizing the impact of our words and actions. It reminds us that every day is an opportunity to help others stay strong in their faith and avoid the pitfalls of sin.

13. Matthew 9:37-38

“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'”

Jesus speaks about the great opportunities for ministry. This verse teaches that there are many opportunities to share the Gospel and serve others, but there is a need for more people to step up and take action. It encourages us to pray for and be willing to become workers in God’s harvest field, recognizing the vast opportunities to make a difference. It reminds us that the opportunities are abundant, but we must be ready to respond.

14. Proverbs 16:9

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

This proverb speaks to the balance between planning and divine opportunity. It teaches that while we may make our plans, it is ultimately God who directs our paths and opens opportunities. It encourages us to trust in God’s guidance, recognizing that He orchestrates the opportunities that come our way. It reminds us that our plans should be held loosely, allowing God to lead us to the opportunities He has prepared for us.

15. 2 Corinthians 2:12

“Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me.”

Paul describes a God-given opportunity to preach the Gospel. This verse teaches that God actively opens doors for ministry and service. It encourages us to be attentive to the opportunities God provides, especially in spreading His Word. It reminds us that when God opens a door, we should walk through it with faith and confidence, trusting that He has prepared the way for effective ministry.

16. Proverbs 10:5

“He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.”

This proverb emphasizes the importance of seizing seasonal opportunities. It teaches that acting wisely in the right season, when opportunities are ripe, leads to success, while neglecting such opportunities leads to failure and shame. It encourages us to be diligent and proactive, making the most of the opportunities available to us in their proper time. It reminds us that there is a season for everything, and we must act when the opportunity arises.

17. Ecclesiastes 3:1

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

This verse reminds us that there are specific times and opportunities for every activity in life. It teaches that life is full of different seasons, each with its own opportunities and purposes. It encourages us to recognize and embrace the opportunities that come with each season, understanding that God has a plan and purpose for every time in our lives. It reminds us that wisdom involves discerning the right time to act.

18. Galatians 6:9

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Paul encourages perseverance in doing good, with the promise of future reward. This verse teaches that the opportunities we take to do good will eventually bear fruit if we remain persistent. It encourages us to continue seizing opportunities to do good, even when it is difficult, trusting that God will bring a harvest in His time. It reminds us that perseverance in doing good is key to seeing the full fruit of our efforts.

19. James 1:5

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

James encourages believers to seek wisdom from God. This verse teaches that when faced with opportunities and decisions, we should seek God’s wisdom to guide us. It encourages us to turn to God in prayer, trusting that He will provide the wisdom we need to make the most of every opportunity. It reminds us that God is generous and willing to guide us in our decisions if we ask Him.

20. Luke 12:48

“But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

Jesus teaches about responsibility in light of the opportunities and resources given to us. This verse teaches that with greater opportunities and blessings comes greater responsibility. It encourages us to be faithful stewards of the opportunities God has given us, knowing that we will be held accountable for how we use them. It reminds us that God expects us to make the most of the opportunities and resources entrusted to us.

21. Psalm 90:12

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

The psalmist asks God for wisdom in making the most of life’s opportunities. This verse teaches that recognizing the brevity of life leads to wisdom in how we use our time and opportunities. It encourages us to live with an awareness of the limited time we have, making the most of every opportunity. It reminds us that wisdom involves using our time wisely and seeking God’s guidance in every moment.

22. Acts 3:19-20

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.”

Peter speaks of the opportunity for repentance and renewal. This verse teaches that every moment of conviction is an opportunity to repent and experience God’s refreshing grace. It encourages us to seize the opportunity to turn back to God, knowing that repentance leads to spiritual renewal. It reminds us that God is always ready to restore us when we take the opportunity to seek Him with a repentant heart.

23. 1 Peter 3:15

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Peter urges believers to be ready to share their faith. This verse teaches that we should be prepared to seize opportunities to share the hope we have in Christ. It encourages us to be ready to explain our faith to others whenever the opportunity arises, doing so with gentleness and respect. It reminds us that every conversation could be an opportunity to witness for Christ, and we should be ready to make the most of it.

24. Philippians 4:10

“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.”

Paul acknowledges the Philippians’ renewed opportunity to support him. This verse teaches that sometimes opportunities to act on our good intentions may be delayed, but they are still valuable when they finally come. It encourages us to be grateful and ready to act when opportunities to serve others arise, even if they come later than expected. It reminds us that God provides opportunities in His timing, and we should be ready to respond when they come.

25. 2 Corinthians 8:12

“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.”

Paul speaks about the opportunity to give. This verse teaches that God values our willingness to give according to what we have, not what we don’t. It encourages us to take the opportunity to be generous, knowing that our gifts are acceptable to God when given with a willing heart. It reminds us that opportunities to give are not about the amount, but about the heart and willingness to share what we have.

26. Matthew 10:32

“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.”

Jesus speaks about the opportunity to publicly confess faith in Him. This verse teaches that acknowledging Christ before others is an opportunity that carries eternal significance. It encourages us to boldly seize the opportunity to declare our faith, knowing that Jesus will acknowledge us before the Father. It reminds us that every opportunity to confess Christ is a moment to secure our standing with Him in eternity.

27. Psalm 37:5

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.”

The psalmist encourages commitment and trust in God. This verse teaches that when we commit our ways to God, He opens opportunities and works on our behalf. It encourages us to trust God with our plans and decisions, knowing that He will guide us and bring His purposes to pass. It reminds us that committing our way to God positions us to walk through the opportunities He provides.

28. 1 Samuel 12:24

“But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.”

Samuel urges the Israelites to faithfully serve God. This verse teaches that reflecting on God’s goodness motivates us to seize opportunities to serve Him. It encourages us to serve God with all our hearts, recognizing the opportunities He gives us to honor Him through our actions. It reminds us that our service to God is a response to His great deeds in our lives, and we should take every opportunity to do so with gratitude.

29. Deuteronomy 30:19

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”

Moses presents the Israelites with a choice and opportunity. This verse teaches that God gives us opportunities to choose life and blessings. It encourages us to make wise decisions that align with God’s will, knowing that our choices have significant consequences. It reminds us that every day presents opportunities to choose life and blessings, and we must be intentional in making those choices.

30. 1 Corinthians 7:31

“Those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.”

Paul speaks about the temporary nature of the world and its opportunities. This verse teaches that while we should use the opportunities and resources of this world, we should not be overly attached to them, recognizing their temporary nature. It encourages us to make the most of opportunities with an eternal perspective, understanding that the world is passing away. It reminds us to focus on what truly matters and to use our opportunities for God’s glory.